The one surgery you should not avoid

Cataract surgery extends lifespanCataracts are a vision problem that commonly occurs among older adults. They cause the lens to appear cloudy or fogged up. As a result, vision becomes impaired, making daily tasks much more challenging.

Although cataracts affect your vision, they can be removed. Some people avoid this surgery because they are afraid, but aside from being able to see clearly again, a new study suggests that women who undergo cataract surgery live longer.

Cataract surgery extends lifespan: Study

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The study looked at over 74,000 American women over the age of 65—nearly 42,000 of them underwent cataract surgery.

The researchers found that undergoing cataract surgery was associated with a 60 percent reduction of early death from all causes and a 37 to 69 percent lower risk of death by accidents, lung and heart diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.

Although the study did not prove cause-and-effect, the researchers speculate that women who undergo surgery often tend to take better care of themselves.

The researchers are still unaware if the same results would be seen among men, so further research is required.

Cataract surgery is completed by replacing the opaque lens with a clear intraocular lens implant as a means of improving vision.

Related: Cataract surgery: Tips to a speedy and safe recovery

What you need to know about cataracts

For most people, cataracts develop slowly and don’t disrupt the vision early on. But with time and age, this will interfere with your daily life and you’ll need eyeglasses. You may need surgery down the road, which is generally a safe and effective procedure. But still… the question is how to slow down cataracts.

Are there any natural remedies for cataracts? Is there a natural way to cure cataracts?

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If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 20.5 million (17.2 percent) Americans aged 40 years and older have cataracts in one or both eyes, and 6.1 million (5.1 percent) have had their lens removed operatively. The total number of people who have cataracts is estimated to increase to 30.1 million by 2020.

Tips to prevent cataracts naturally

If you’re looking for a cure for eye cataract or the natural way to cure cataract, what you really need to look into is prevention. To date, a cure for eye cataract is surgery, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent cataracts and protect your vision. Follow these easy tips:

  • Improve the lighting in your home with more lighting and brighter lamps.
  • Limit your night driving.
  • When you go outside in daytime, wear sunglasses or a broad-brimmed hat to reduce glare.
  • Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths.
  • Get your eyes checked once a year (more often, if you’ve noticed problems).
  • Make sure your eyeglasses or contact lenses are the most accurate prescription (further to the tip above!).
  • Use a magnifying glass to read.
  • Keep diabetes under control with diet, exercise, and medication.
  • Quit smoking!

Related: Age-related vision changes: Presbyopia, cataracts, AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy


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Nuclear cataracts: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Age-related cataract types: Nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular

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